Solar Panels FAQ

How do solar Panel systems work?
How much does domestic water heating cost?
What is the effect on the Environment?
How do I get a Ryansolar installed solar heating system?
How much do Solar Panels and Installation cost?
Are grants available for installing Solar panels?
What about the quality and guarantee?

How do solar Panel systems work?

The solar power systems used by Ryansolar convert sunlight into heat, and having captured the heat, the solar technology deploys the thermal energy in water heating.

The solar power systems produce hot water using power from the sun without creating carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gas and thus create no pollution. They work all the year round, even in Ireland, so that in all forms of daylight there will be some contribution from a well-designed thermal solar system. Direct sunlight is not needed although the solar systems work more quickly in very strong light.

Ryansolar is pleased to offer a solar heating system comprising:

• Two/three or four solar panels fitted on to a south facing roof.
• A new duel coil hot water cylinder, which is heavily insulated.
• All necessary pipe work, properly insulated to solar standards
• A pumping station
• A digital controller

A sealed heat transfer system connects the solar panels to the lower heat coil in the cylinder via a closed loop circuit (the upper coil connects to your boiler as back up, in the usual way). Ryansolar installs sensors in the solar panels and sensors in the new cylinder. The sensors communicate with the digital controller in the solar heating system and this turns on the pump to transfer the heat. When the water is hot enough the pump is turned off. The fossil fuel system acts as a back up.
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How much does domestic water heating cost?

An average Irish home spends approx. 27% of its combined energy bills on water heating. If you live in home which has good thermal insulation this percentage for water heating will be higher.
At Ryansolar we aim to provide up to 70% of your water heating requirements each year. In an Irish summer a solar system should provide virtually all your hot water. In deep winter, because of the short daylight hours available it should make a contribution of approx 25% of your water heating energy.
Therefore if you add your gas/oil bill and electricity bill for a whole year - let's say, for example, you spent around €1200 last year, a Ryansolar installed solar heating systems could have saved you around €324. With the increases in gas, oil and electricity prices in the coming years this saving will rise.
Ryansolar installed solar panel systems can also be used to heat swimming pools where the savings are much larger.
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What is the effect on the Environment?

A Ryansolar installed solar system will save at least ¾ of a tonne of carbon dioxide. If you reduced that gas to solid carbon, it would fill a sack roughly the size of an old coal sack. That is a huge environmental saving. Our heating systems are probably the most benign way of generating energy available. They do not cause pollution and do not contribute to climate change.
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How do I get a Ryansolar installed solar heating system?

Simply contact Ryansolar and a representative will arrange a consultation. A free quotation will be supplied at no obligation to the customer. Work will on commence only on the customers go ahead. In most homes a Ryansolar installed solar heating systems will be fully installed in 3 days or less. We will need access to your roof and to your existing cylinder, which will be replaced by a larger fully insulated cylinder. Installation of the heating system will not be unduly disruptive to your home.
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How much do Solar Panels and Installation cost?

Prices for solar panel installations vary according to the design of home that you live in. Domestic prices vary from approx. €5000 to €8000, depending on access to roof/ cylinder storage area and type of system installed. Grants are separate and can be claimed once the system is installed.
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Are grants available for installing Solar panels?

Grants available are:
€300 per sq meter. Therefore for a typical 2-panel domestic installation, customer would qualify for a €1200 grant or €1800 for a 3 panel system. Grants are available from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).
Ryansolar representatives will fill out all necessary forms with its customers.
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What about the quality and guarantee?

The solar heating systems are independently tested and certified as fully complying with BS EN 12975 parts 1 & 2.
Ryansolar systems come with the following guarantees.
• 20 year Anti-corrosion guarantee (Manufacturer)
• 10 year solar panel performance guarantee (Manufacturer)
• 2 year guarantee on all other parts
• 2 year Installer guarantee
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